tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968Tue, 06 Mar 2018 03:15:07 +0000BudgetSchoolsCountrysideMarket BuildingMeals TaxCampaignCity CouncilPrioritiesStormwater Utility FeesAmphitheaterBudget Stabilization FundBudget inputCapital Improvement PlanCommunityFiscal ResponsibilityJobsOpen GovernmentSchool Budgettaxpayers17th House districtAlvin NashBabyBetter BloggerBondsCapital ProjectsCircusCity BudgetCity Election 2010City Manager Darlene BurchamClean and GreenCommentaryCommunity MeetingsConsultantsCouncil VacancyDRIDebtDowntownEconomic DevelopmentEducatorsElection '09FamilyFinancial planningGRTCGeneral AssemblyHiatusHistoricHistoryHoliday WishesHuff LaneMedia correctionMemorial DayMergerNeighborhoodsNew CouncilObamaPolice ChiefPoolsPost-politicalPrimaryProgressive dinnerRRHARec LeagueRecessionRoanoke Regional PartnershipRoanoke RiverRoanoke TimesSchool BoardSeniors and the DisabledSnowVice Mayor LeaVotingaccreditationbusinessdialoguedisabledenvironmentethicsfloodngholidaysmarketsparks and rec.pension planspollutionreal estateseniorstax reliefCouncilman Court RosenAs an accessible, readily available tool to communicate information and policies affecting the residents of Roanoke, my blog serves as a place to provide comments and feedback about the direction you'd like to see your city head. I encourage you to visit often as I share my thoughts and perspectives about happenings within the city, and hope you'll feel free to do the same.
I hope to hear from you soon.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)Blogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-7696920532489799161Wed, 27 Apr 2016 13:59:00 +00002016-04-27T06:59:02.545-07:006 Alternatives to Silicon Valley With Better Weather Than Portland6 Alternatives to Silicon Valley With Better Weather Than Portland A few weeks back I wrote about how, in recent years, Portland, Oregon has become a popular alternative to Silicon Valley. It’s attracting big companies like Google and giving the area the nickname “Silicon Forest.” However, as the article accumulated several thousand shares, it also sparked some outrage and backlash from people who live in the area, concerned about how Portland is “becoming the next San Francisco.” It’s true. There are issues that come with “San Francisco-ization,” as several people put it, including overpopulation and higher housing costs. At the same time, however, many Portland-area residents are excited to see the influx of tech talent. Something perhaps even more interesting occurred as well. People from other tech hubs across the country spoke out, saying something along the lines of, “If Portland doesn’t want the talent, we’ll take it.” People from Austin, LA, New York and Denver were represented as usual. But what really caught my attention were the folks from less-discussed tech hubs who claimed their locales are ideal for startups looking to plant roots. Here are just a few of these unsung startup tech cities. Roanoke, Virginia. I had to do some research when one guy on Twitter sang the praises of his native Roanoke. Turns out, with Virginia Tech only 45 minutes from the heart of the city, Roanoke is a natural fit for tech startups. As a business grows, it can choose from the large number of graduates who choose to settle in the city. Workers in the area have access to Roanoke’s low cost of living without sacrificing the many amenities in other cities, including culture, shops and restaurants. Related: The Ancient City of Jerusalem Is Seeing Rebirth as a Tech Hub San Diego, California. It seems odd to put the eighth largest city in the U.S. on this list, but San Diego generally hasn’t gotten as much attention in recent years from the biggest tech companies or startups looking to get off the ground. Those who do plant roots here though know that the environment is ideal, with nice weather year round and a heavy stream of tech talent flowing from the University of California San Diego (UCSD). While the cost of living is high compared to national averages, it is significantly lower than San Francisco’s current cost of living, which is often considered the highest in the country. San Diego is widely known as an epicenter of biotechnology research. It is also home to a large number of corporate headquarters, including tech companies Silicon Beach Software and Technology Integration Group. Provo, Utah. As one of the fastest-growing areas for tech jobs, Provo is seeing an influx of startups. Both Provo and Salt Lake City have seen greater dollar-per-deal investments from venture capitalists than many other cities, with Provo’s startups rivaling even San Francisco’s for investment amounts. Provo’s cost of living is only slightly higher than the national average, making it easily affordable for a tech company’s workers. Additionally, the city has been named as having the highest level of well-being of any city in the country. Related: The 4 Ingredients of Utah's Startup 'Secret Sauce' San Antonio, Texas. Like its higher-profile neighbor, Austin, San Antonio is attracting tech startups by the dozens, especially those in the biotechnology and cybersecurity fields. The area is popular due to its culture and history, making it a tourist destination as well as an ideal place for young workers. The city has seen a 15.7-percent increase in tech talent in recent years, with a population of more than 26,000 employed technology workers. You probably didn’t know it, but San Antonio is now the 7th largest city in the U.S., and it has a lower-than-average cost of living, as well. Related: 5 Emerging Tech Hubs From Around the World Nashville, Tennessee. With tech industry employment growth at a staggering 65.8 percent between 2001 and 2013, the Nashville area is becoming an unexpected tech leader. Part of this is due to the area’s tremendous growth in general. In fact, four of the area’s counties rank in the Top 100 fastest-growing in the country. One of the city’s biggest benefits is its low cost of living, which is 0.80 percent below the national average. Huntsville, Alabama. With 68.02 tech employees per 1,000 jobs, Huntsville has the talent new businesses need to accomplish their goals. The median rent in the area is far lower than cities like Seattle and San Jose, which has put it on many businesses’ radar in recent years. Much of the attention focuses on Cummings Research Park, which is one of the world’s leading science and technology business parks. The businesses located in the park include Fortune 500 companies AT&T, IBM, and Comcast. For businesses looking for an affordable alternative to Silicon Valley, one of the above six cities may be the right option. In addition to cost of living, businesses should consider the amount of tech talent in the area, even if they haven’t begun hiring yet. An area with a low cost of living, access to schools and amenities, and a bearable commute may also provide all the features employees need to begin working for a business and stay there for many years. http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2016/04/6-alternatives-to-silicon-valley-with.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-6524018308049660162Tue, 22 Mar 2016 21:28:00 +00002016-03-22T14:28:30.249-07:00Deschutes Brewery to Open East Coast brewery in RoanokeDeschutes Brewery to open East Coast brewery in Roanoke ROANOKE (WSLS 10) – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced on Tuesday that Deschutes Brewery will open an East Coast brewery in Roanoke. The $85 million investment will bring 108 new jobs to the Star City. As part of the deal, the commonwealth of Virginia gave $3 million to the city of Roanoke. Deschutes Brewery will be the 148th craft brewery in Virginia. Construction is set to begin in 2019, according to a press release from Deschutes Brewery. Deschutes expects to start shipping beer from the Roanoke location in about five years. The commonwealth was in a three-state competition with both North and South Carolina for the brewery. Christopher P. Morrill, the Roanoke city manager, said that the economic impact of Deschutes decision could reach more than $200 million dollars. Gary Fish, Deschutes’ founder and CEO, also spoke during the press conference. Learn more about Deschutes Brewery’s Roanoke location. Deschutes Brewery The yellow area is where the new Deschutes Brewery will be built. (Credit: Google Maps) Read the full press release from the governor’s office: Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Deschutes Brewery will invest $85 million to establish its Eastern U.S. brewery in the City of Roanoke. The Governor met with company officials at their headquarters in Oregon during his September 2015 West Coast Marketing Mission. Virginia successfully competed against North Carolina and South Carolina on the project, which will create 108 new jobs paying above the average prevailing wage in the region. Speaking at today’s event, Governor McAuliffe said, “Virginia’s competitive bid for Deschutes Brewery’s coveted East Coast location was tireless and aggressive, and we are gratified that the company has chosen the City of Roanoke for this major operation. This is another high-profile win that shines a spotlight on the Commonwealth and reinforces that we are a leading state in the craft beer industry. We are working to diversify and build a new Virginia economy, and I commend the teamwork involved in this great success. We are thrilled to welcome Deschutes Brewery to the Commonwealth.” “This project is a big win for the tourism, manufacturing and craft beverage industries in the Roanoke region and the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “Deschutes’ decision to locate its East Coast operation in Virginia is a strong testament to our outstanding talent, strategic location and superior business climate. We congratulate the City of Roanoke and the company, and we look forward to a long partnership.” “Deschutes Brewery’s selection of Roanoke for its East Coast operation helps solidify Virginia’s standing as a key player in the country’s growing craft beer industry, which saw sales increase by almost 19% in 2015,” said Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. “Adding Deschutes to our world-class, award-winning roster of homegrown craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, and cideries will bring increased national attention to Virginia as the top East Coast destination for craft beverage lovers. In addition to the local jobs and revenue Deschutes will generate, their investment also will bring increased agri-tourism activity and additional production and market opportunities for Virginia’s agricultural community.” Named as OUTSIDE’s Best Places to Work in for the last three years in a row and winner of the 2015 Oregon Sustainability Award, Deschutes Brewery was founded in 1988 as a brew pub in Bend, Oregon. Still family and employee owned 28 years later, the brewery is known for brewing a diverse line-up of award winning beers including the popular Fresh Squeezed IPA, Black Butte Porter, and Mirror Pond Pale Ale. Deschutes Brewery now ships beer to 28 states, the District of Columbia, and around the world from its main brewing facility located on the banks of the Deschutes River. Michael LaLonde, president of Deschutes Brewery, said, “After visiting several amazing communities over the past two years, we are very excited to be heading to Roanoke. We love the region and everyone we’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with during this process has been incredible. We have absolutely been blown away with how the community rallied around bringing us here and has given us such a warm welcome. #Deschutes2Rke we’re on our way and proud to be able to now call Roanoke our second home.” The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Roanoke and the Roanoke Regional Partnership to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $3 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Roanoke with the project. The company is eligible to receive funding from the Economic Development Access Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Transportation, as well as state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The company will also be eligible to receive up to a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID), administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, depending on its procurement and use of Virginia grown products in its operations. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. “Roanoke is honored to be chosen as Deschutes Brewery’s East Coast location after a very thorough review of several communities in the Southeast,” said Roanoke City Manager Chris Morrill. “It is a company with a strong culture of community engagement, recognized for its craftsmanship and will be a perfect fit for Roanoke’s vibrant outdoor lifestyle. We are thrilled to welcome Deschutes to Virginia’s Blue Ridge as we continue to build a more diverse, resilient economy.” “The Economic Development Authority is thrilled to support Deschutes Brewery in the decision to construct their East Coast manufacturing and distribution facility in the City of Roanoke,” said Charles Hunter II, Chair of the Economic Development Authority. “The EDA has a long history of working to recruit and retain businesses to this city, and we are excited to work with Deschutes as they invest in the community, create jobs, and put Roanoke on the map as a major beer tourism destination.” “We are very excited to welcome the new Deschutes Brewery location to Roanoke,” said Delegate Sam Rasoul. “Deschutes will be a fantastic addition to our economy and community, and our region’s outdoor offerings and friendly culture are a great match for the company. I am grateful to city and state officials as well as the many local citizens who showed Deschutes what a wonderful place the Roanoke Valley is to live, work, and play.” “This is great news for Roanoke,” said Senator John Edwards. “I commend Governor McAuliffe for his efforts in bringing a major brewery to our region, creating over 100 jobs and bringing an $85 million dollar capital investment. This shows the quality of life of this region as a major factor in attracting new industry.” Since the beginning of the McAuliffe administration, 630 economic development deals have been closed in Virginia with more than $10.68 billion in capital investment, which is more than any previous governor in the first 25 months in office. http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2016/03/deschutes-brewery-to-open-east-coast.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-1086984960086087931Fri, 18 Mar 2016 21:07:00 +00002016-03-18T14:07:06.796-07:00Roanoke housing market doing well amid slowing rising mortgage rates<b>Roanoke housing market doing well amid slowing rising mortgage rates</b> ROANOKE, Va. - Nationally, mortgage rates are slowly going up but that's not the case here in our region. Roanoke's real estate market is actually in what's called a neutral market right now. It's not a buyer's or a seller's market but thanks to growing consumer confidence and a high demand for homes, it could soon be good for sellers! "We're still around 4 percent interest rates, it's between 3 and ¾ and 4 and a quarter," Berkshire Hathaway broker, Tom Wilson, told Your Hometown News Leader. Good news for potential buyers and here in our region, the upward trend won't really affect the market. "The anticipation that I'm hearing is about another quarter of a point." The latest index says mortgage rates nationally could hit 5 percent, but locally the market is expected to flourish. "Price increases have been significantly higher in other areas than they have been here although the anticipation is we'll see about a 5 percent increase in prices by the end of this year." And with an abundance of homes to choose from, seller's could soon cash in. "I think we're heading more towards a seller's market maybe later this Spring. Listings are down, the number of listings are down, buyers are up." Realtors and brokers say the Roanoke Valley is unique because it tends to buck potentially unstable housing trends. "Our economy here is basically based on medical, retail, banking and insurance `and those are more stable. We don't see the huge swings up or the huge swings down," said Wilson. Encouraging news for what Wilson says is sure to be a good year for the market as a whole. http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2016/03/roanoke-housing-market-doing-well-amid.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-1467214622153319144Fri, 18 Mar 2016 21:01:00 +00002016-03-18T14:01:16.372-07:00Broadband authority OK's rates, to sign up first customers soon<b>Broadband authority OK's rates, to sign up first customers soon</b> The Roanoke area's public broadband utility expects to sign up its first customers in April now that it has set the rates for a 47-mile fiber network. The Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority's board unanimously approved several sets of rates Friday for an anticipated fiber network that will mostly run through Roanoke and Salem. Several entities operating in business, education and government have agreed to become users of the network, but contract negotiations couldn't begin until the rates got approved, said authority Executive Director Frank Smith, who declined to disclose the tentative customers. Among the packages are a "transport" and Internet service plan with monthly rates ranging from $550 for 10 megabits per second to $5,687 for 1 gigabit per second. The utility's pricing differs considerably from the more familiar Internet plans to the home because the broadband authority's customers are buying bandwidth they won't have to share with other paying parties. This exclusive access to bandwidth - ideal for institutions moving large loads of data - allows for much faster transfer of data. Another package will allow customers to lease what is called dark fiber for rates ranging from $21 to $100 a month. Under this plan, customers would be responsible for installing the electronics needed to turn on and make their piece of the fiber usable. The exact dark fiber rates depend on whether the customer is a commercial carrier or nonprofit, how long they plan to lease the fiber and how much of the nearly 50-mile network they want access to. Smith said 25 percent of the network is dark fiber to be leased. While the broadband authority has maintained that it's not directly selling service to the home, Smith said the utility's tentative customers do include telecom companies that could turn around and provide Internet to the end user. A non-Internet package that offers bandwidth just for transporting data also exists, with monthly rates ranging from $350 for 10 megabits per second to $4,510 for 1 gigabit per second. This transport service is similar to the dark fiber plan, but tasks the broadband authority to handle the electronics. Salem City Manager Kevin Boggess, the broadband authority's board chairman, said he's pleased with the pricing. "It's another step forward," he said. With construction starting last summer, the broadband authority plans to turn the network on before May, Smith said. The entire 47-mile network is being financed with a $6.2 million bond that the cities of Roanoke and Salem have each agreed to start repaying until the project starts generating enough business. Proponents of the project expect the network to help improve economic activities in the Roanoke area and allow the valley to better compete with other metro areas in the Southeast when trying to attract employers. The project is also among the efforts to improve connectivity in the Roanoke area, which has a poor state and national standing based on several industry studies. http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2016/03/broadband-authority-oks-rates-to-sign.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-1900425771592194506Thu, 17 Mar 2016 20:45:00 +00002016-03-17T13:45:46.168-07:00Botetourt County's 350 industrial jobs deal largest for Roanoke Valley since before recession Botetourt County's 350 industrial jobs deal largest for Roanoke Valley since before recession Gov. Terry McAuliffe (left) welcomes Pasquale Forte, president &amp; CEO of Eldor Corp., and Luca Forte, a board member at Eldor, on Tuesday. DALEVILLE — An Italian-based global auto parts manufacturer will build its first North American production plant in Botetourt County, investing $75 million and creating up to 350 new jobs over the next five years, officials announced Tuesday. Plans by Eldor Corp. to locate in the Botetourt Center at Greenfield industrial park marked the biggest economic news in the county’s history, and the largest expansion of new manufacturing jobs in the Roanoke Valley since before the Great Recession. “This is a huge announcement for us,” Gov. Terry McAuliffe told a crowd of state and local officials gathered Tuesday afternoon at Greenfield. The Roanoke Regional Partnership estimates Eldor will have an annual economic impact of $246.5 million and help create more than 500 secondary jobs across Botetourt and the entire Roanoke region by 2021. And if long-term projections hold true, another 300 people will find work at Eldor by 2024, adding significant horsepower to what is already an established automotive parts manufacturing cluster in Botetourt County. “The fact that another global leader in the transportation industry has selected Botetourt County sends a positive message about the future of this county and jobs that will help us attract and retain young people,” County Administrator Gary Larrowe said. Eldor is expected to begin construction shortly on a 250,000-square-foot facility that will sit on 53 acres in the sprawling Greenfield industrial park located off U.S. 220 in Daleville. The project should be completed by August 2017. Workers will earn an average annual wage of at least $37,950, which Eldor has promised as part of a performance agreement under which it will receive about $15 million in state and local incentives if it fulfills its obligations. A privately held company founded in 1972, Eldor has existing plants in Italy, Turkey, China and Brazil. It makes ignition systems, engine control units and electronic systems for hybrid and electric vehicles. The company, which cites $300 million in annual revenues, has three research and development centers in Italy and is based in Orsenigo, located north of Milan in northern Italy near the Swiss border. The company considered about 200 sites in 20 states before settling on Botetourt, McAuliffe said. Eldor President and CEO Pasquale Forte said he found Virginia attractive for its pro-business polices and port access, and the Roanoke Valley equally appealing for its quality of life and natural beauty. “I am confident that people who come to our plant from around the world will be amazed by this beauty,” said Forte, who also cited the region’s universities and a community college system with a mechatronics program that is well suited to train the workers who will run the company’s advanced production lines. The long-term impact of the project at build-out is estimated at $457 million with 1,600 direct, indirect and induced jobs, according to economic impact modeling by the Roanoke Regional Partnership. The governor has approved a $3.2 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to Botetourt County to assist with the project. In addition, the company will receive state benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program and money and assistance for employee training. The county’s incentive package with the company — valued at about $12 million — is based on the plant growing to 650 jobs and an investment of $106 million by 2024. The county is offering the 53-acre site, fee waivers and utility extensions, tax incentives and a performance-based grant of $1.3 million. Shortly after the project was announced at a 3 p.m. news conference, the county’s board of supervisors and economic development authority approved the performance agreement. The arrangement offers protection to the county should the deal not go through, doling out payments of grant money only after certain milestones are met by Eldor, such as the beginning of grading, the granting of a certificate of occupancy for the building and the hiring of its first employees. In addition, Eldor has agreed to provide a $1.5 million letter of credit to the county. Eldor is a “strong company,” Larrowe said, and Botetourt officials have no reason to believe it will not live up to expectations. “This is just doing business, that’s the only thing it is,” Larrowe said. At the state level, officials with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership also took extra pains to review the company’s background, partly because of a failed economic development deal in Appomattox in which they acknowledge a Chinese company was not adequately vetted. Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones said officials examined audited financial statements and relied on information from independent parties, in addition to what was provided by the company. The Greenfield complex is largely vacant, and Tuesday’s announcement was clearly a relief to county officials who have been courting possible tenants for years. The site of the future Eldor plant is adjacent to a Greenfield parcel slated for the construction of a 100,000-square foot industrial shell building, to be financed by the nonprofit Greater Roanoke Valley Development Foundation. Construction of the building, which county officials hope will lure a new industry to the park sometime in the future, is expected to take about 18 months. Two historic slave buildings that were once part of the Greenfield Plantation were recently relocated to make way for the shell building, much to the dismay of preservationists and others in the county. County officials said their courting of Eldor, which first looked at the adjacent site last summer, was not a factor in the buildings’ relocation. When it began considering Greenfield as a possible location, Eldor was interested in moving at a faster pace than what the shell building site offered. County officials say a certified, pad-ready site nearby was crucial to landing the company. “The fact that Botetourt County had a pre-graded site appealed to Eldor because it will reduce construction costs and increase the speed to market,” supervisors Chairman Jack Leffel said. To seal the deal, the General Assembly recently added another $1 million to the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund and authorized the governor to give up to $1.5 million for additional grading of the site. In his remarks Tuesday, McAuliffe praised Del. Terry Austin, R-Botetourt County, for his work in securing the budget amendment “to get this deal over the goal line.” http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2016/03/botetourt-countys-350-industrial-jobs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-2547848755223776377Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:46:00 +00002012-03-09T07:49:13.312-08:00CampaignGreater Raleigh Court Civic League Candidates' ForumLast night was the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League Candidates' Forum, which is the unofficial beginning of the municipal elections held on May 1st. I had a great time discussing council accomplishments, my vision going forward and policies affecting taxpayers in Roanoke.<br /><br />To view the Roanoke Times article on the forum, please visit http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/305994.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2012/03/greater-raleigh-court-civic-league.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-6807732732588915585Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:10:00 +00002012-02-03T11:12:27.172-08:00CampaignVote TomorrowPlease vote tomorrow at William Fleming High School anytime between the hours of 9am and 3pm. Support stability and continuity in Roanoke government.<br /><br />Also, please encourage others to join you.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2012/02/vote-tomorrow.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-3759890607000073745Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:05:00 +00002012-01-23T11:08:45.090-08:00Campaign*** Please give 1 hour of your time Saturday, February 4th ***On <strong>Saturday, February 4th from 9AM until 3PM, the primary election for Roanoke City Council will be held at the new William Fleming High School</strong>. Any registered voter in the city is able to participate. All you have to do is come vote, then leave.<br /><br />We have been getting a lot of good things done in the city and with our regional partne...rs over the past several years. With gridlock at higher levels of government, stability and continuity is critical at the local level. We have a formula that is working and we should continue the momentum. <strong>Vote for me, Sherman Lea and Anita Price for Council and David Bowers for Mayor.<br /><br /></strong><em><strong>Please come vote Saturday, February 4th between 9AM and 3PM at William Fleming High School. It will take no more than an hour of your day.</strong></em><br /><br />Thank you.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2012/01/please-give-1-hour-of-your-time.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-6689348490679468283Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:49:00 +00002011-08-22T06:53:36.273-07:00The Lost Art of Congressional Compromise<em>From today's Roanoke Times commentary section</em>
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<br />The Lost Art of Congressional Compromise
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<br />"In executing the duties of my present important station, I can promise nothing but purity of intentions, and, in carrying these into effect, fidelity and diligence."
<br /> - President George Washington in a Message to Congress, July 9, 1789
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<br />Recently, as Congress fanned out across America to their districts, I observed with amusement the desperation to vacate Washington to begin campaigning for the November 2012 elections with backslaps for a job well done regarding the debt ceiling standoff. I am certain that a significant amount of this month-plus off will be spent collecting campaign cash for re-elections nearly fifteen months away. This
<br />last month observing Congressional gridlock has caused me to reflect on the origin of Congress during the founding of our country.
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<br />The structure of the U.S. Congress was determined through The Great Compromise in July of 1787 following months of negotiations between representatives from the largest states and representatives from less populous states. After eleven days of formal debate prior to the vote, in the sweltering Philadelphia heat, the Second Continental Congress voted on and adopted a compromise that provided proportional
<br />representation in the House of Representatives and more equal representation in the Senate. It was a divided vote, but the compromise that passed became the foundation of our legislative branch. Our Founding Fathers, with differing interests, opinions and goals, worked towards and accepted this compromise as being in the best interests of the new nation.
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<br />Our country now faces some of the greatest challenges imaginable – two wars costing thousands of American lives and trillions of dollars, an economy on the brink of another recession, a coming societal restructuring caused by an aging population, a tax code with more holes in it than Swiss cheese, and a Congress that fails to meet even the basic expectations of our Founding Fathers. Compromise has become a dirty word in Washington, and political self-interest and an unwillingness to work in the best interests of the country threaten to cause severe, long-term and irreversible damage to our nation.
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<br />As governments have struggled for the last several years, localities have been forced to absorb significant cuts in funding. The City of Roanoke, for example, has cut more than $25 million - 10% of our budget since 2007, all while fulfilling our obligations for outstanding debt. Councilmembers, with the aid of a skilled professional City staff, compromised with one another and reduced spending to match revenue through spirited debate, disagreements, and ultimately, compromise. Congress, on the other hand, adhering to rigid political ideologies and with no electoral incentive to compromise, is likely to make our economic situation worse.
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<br />As Americans worry about keeping or finding jobs and businesses worry about making payroll, I question whether members of Congress have the ability to pass meaningful laws that provide stability to our economy. It appears that after a month-long debate about our debt ceiling and a capitulation of responsibility, they do not – and now they are on vacation until after Labor Day.
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<br />Political gridlock has already caused one rating agency to downgrade the U.S. credit rating and markets across the globe have tanked. This will result in higher interest rates for homeowners, small businesses, local governments and others, all because of Washington’s inability to work together to pass compromise policies that satisfy the vast majority of Americans in the political center. In fact, a recent CNN/ORC poll
<br />shows that 86% of Americans disapprove of Congress – 86%.
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<br />All Americans must hold our “representatives” in Congress to the same standards our Founding Fathers expected of themselves. We must expect that members of Congress cease playing political games with our future and place the interests of their country ahead of their own interests. We must expect that, while our country is facing economic disaster, Congress not take the entire month of August off while the rest of us contend with uncertainty, fear of lost jobs or worry about meeting payrolls and interest payments.
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<br />Washington is broken. We must not fool ourselves into thinking it is one party or the other – the only party that is winning is self-interest. Glad-handing, fundraising and photo ops do not make for a good Congress. Hard work, commitment to advancing the interests of our country and basic levels of respect for one another, even those on the other side, should be the standard.
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<br />Americans should expect members of Congress, in President George Washington’s words, to “promise nothing but purity of intentions, and, in carrying these into effect, fidelity and diligence.”
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<br />In fact, our future demands it.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2011/08/lost-art-of-congressional-compromise.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-5886999436772618734Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:59:00 +00002011-04-06T07:24:32.518-07:00BudgetBudget Reality (again)On Monday, City Council was presented the working documents for the FY 2011-2012 fiscal year budget. While it's a better year than the past several, we still expect to have to make $4.8 million in additional cuts to the budget. This will be a painful process and we will do our best to find the program and service reductions in the least impactful areas possible. But we need to be realistic that we will all feel the reductions.<br /><br />It's important to share that of the city's +/- $250 million annual budget, nearly $75million of this goes to RCPS off the top. Then the city must provide certain programs and services, carry out certain required and necessary administrative functions (managing and operating the city generally, collecting taxes and administering the courts and legal functions, funding public safety and human service programs and services required by the state etc.). So at the end of the day, the city has only a little more than 1/4 of the budget to discretionarily spend - the money that funds our more typical activities, maintenance of the city, operation of parks and greenways, management of infrastructural operations and systems etc. With nearly $25 million less money in the last three years, and having to cut this out of the discretionary areas (while maintaining public safety, increasing funding to schools to offset state funding cuts as best as possible), it has been a challenge.<br /><br />Our city manager, Chris Morrill said it best when he said that we have cut the low-hanging fruit, the medium-hanging fruit and the high-hanging fruit. Now we are cutting limbs.<br /><br />So this is the less than positive news but I think it's important to try to be as realistic as possible so that folks understand the "new normal" we are living in where we have to find ways to adapt to less revenue and increasing costs - clearly a daunting challenge. <br /><br />The great news is we have excellent city personnel who are working tirelessly to deliver services and programs, provide public safety to the city and its residents, educate our kids, provide recreational amenities and keep the city looking wonderful and other services - all with 188 fewer staff positions and no raises or cost of living adjustments for several years (we are working to find the resources for a one-time bonus by une 30 of this year). Our budget staff are some of the best around and our administration is handling the many challenges with a genuine understanding of the effects additional cuts will have on the daily lives of our citizens. The initial budget we just received truly reflects this. And council recognizes the need to be fiscally responsible while continuing to position Roanoke and its residents on a positive course for the future. <br /><br />We will get through this difficult period and I really believe come out in a stronger position on the other side. We've worked through the most challenging financial times faced in a long while, and believe we have generally done well and worked with our partners in the business, non-profit and other outside agency community to more efficiently operate and deliver for the taxpayers.<br /><br />I hope folks will continue to call and email to provide input on areas to protect and areas where reductions may be palatable. <br /><br />Thank you.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2011/04/budget-reality.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-4409855774099796036Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:59:00 +00002011-03-09T11:15:07.022-08:00Huff LaneSchoolsA possible future for Huff LaneLast evening, I was invited and attended the Dorchester Court neighborhood meeting for the second time in two months. I've also attended the Grandview Area neighborhood meetings multiple times in the last several months.<br /><br />Nearly a year ago, School Board Chairman David Carson and I were charged with coming up with a recommendation for the disposition of the Huff Lane property, the site of the former elementary school that was closed last year, the victim of budget cuts and the desire to take two neighborhood schools (Round Hill and Huff Lane) and merge them into one. Because of this, many students are currently in trailers and Round Hill needs additional classroom space constructed.<br /><br />As we approached disposing of the property, we had three goals in mind:<br />1) To protect the neighborhood from further encroachment.<br />2) To gain a large portion of the resources to build out Round Hill.<br />3) To improve the existing, heavily used Huff Lane park.<br /><br />At the neighborhood meeting last night, a local blogger was in the audience and though a recommendation was NOT imminent, it appears that an abridged story is being written. <br /><br />The meeting last night was one of the most productive I've ever attended. By the end, each attendee indicated they supported moving forward, recognizing that at any time in the process City Council can stop it and not move forward.<br /><br />No plans have been drawn for the park. Until we put the property for sale, it's hard to know what, if anything, would be an addition to the area and not a detraction. <br /><br />I'm confident that we will find a solution to the existing Round Hill property that actually prevents further encroachment into the neighborhood while adding significant amenities to the existing park, and as a result, more greenery.<br /><br />It's not always possible to get everyone on board with every effort. But we can find a great solution that's a win-win-win for everyone.<em></em>http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2011/03/possible-future-for-huff-lane.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-4279368996491364743Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:07:00 +00002011-01-17T08:30:24.574-08:00General AssemblyCommon sense in RichmondAs the General Assembly begins its new session, I'm hopeful that some common sense will prevail. Roanoke has gone through enormous budget cuts - many of which should have occurred, and we've gotten to the point where we have very few areas to reduce services without having long-term impacts on our local economy, social network and core service levels. <br /><br />I understand that, like Roanoke, the Commonwealth of Virginia has a significant budget deficit. I also understand that raising taxes during a struggling economy reduces short-term economic recovery. And I largely agree (meals tax not indicative!).<br /><br />The result of continued cuts to public education and comprehensive services that the city must offer citizens creates short-term budget balancing capabilities, though I would contend the long-term economic recovery will be weaker and less stable. Once we eliminate core functions of schools and local government, those who use these services as foundations to future success and an ability to break cycles of poverty will be set back years. This isn't in the best interests of our communities or the Commonwealth, and though politically the short-term benefits seem desirable, the long-term implications are less than desirable.<br /><br />Let's hope that common sense prevails in Richmond this year. Let's hope that there's a high expectation for civil and productive discourse. Disagreeing on issues is understandable. Attacking others for this philosophical divide at a personal level, or a level solely intended for political gain and targeted towards the next election cycle, is not what those we represent expect or deserve.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2011/01/common-sense-in-richmond.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-6544166298340705692Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:40:00 +00002010-11-11T17:44:11.634-08:00BudgetMeals TaxSchool BudgetSchoolsSeptember meals tax up 2.6%September 2010 meals tax collections exceeded September 2009 by 2.6%. Additionally, we remain ahead of budget projections for the current fiscal year. This is great news as it indicates that overall business for restaurants has increased - people are spending more money at restaurants in the city than expected.<br /><br />Year to date, Roanoke City Public Schools have received $35,000+ more than they had expected or budgeted for. If the trend remains and meals tax revenues continue to meet or exceed expectations, our schools will receive the funds budgeted for and our city restaurants will have improved business overall.<br /><br />I'll continue to update the numbers monthly.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2010/11/september-meals-tax-up-26.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-5053161404521947714Thu, 04 Nov 2010 17:53:00 +00002010-11-04T11:11:10.156-07:00Budget Stabilization FundFinancial planningCity Approves Much-needed Updates to Financial PoliciesOver the course of the last couple of years, we've discussed at length the need to put in place stricter and more financially sounds practices, saving money for economic conditions like the one we are in presently. Though it's taken a bit longer than I would have hoped for, Council adopted new policies to create "savings" accounts that will help to stabilize our bond rating, provide adequate reserves for risk management and self-insured claims, and provide a fund that has resources to dip into if necessary during a "rainy day."<br /><br />I don't think this accomplishment of the city received enough attention last week. This was a policy passed based on economic conditions and the belief that we should be much better prepared for potential future downturns. It is an aggressive and responsible step towards ensuring the long-term financial stability of the city. I'm proud we took this step.<br /><br />Below is a summary of the new policies:<br /><br />1) Maintain the undesignated reserves at 10% and structure the risk management reserve. The city should fully fund those two reserves first by dedicating incremental revenue of $250,000 to $500,000 (.1% to .2% of today's budget) to funding of reserves, subject to funding availability and our overall progress in funding of reserves. We will fund those two reserves by FY 2016.<br /><br />2) Once revenues recover to their peak level (FY09) as adjusted for CPI<br />and any permanent tax rate increases, establish an Economic Downturn/Budget Stabilization reserve of up to 5% of the budget. This reserve will be funded by allocating incremental funding of 10% of the growth in local revenues annually until the reserve is at the 5% level. <br /><br />3) If we reach revenue recovery as mentioned in #2 but have not yet<br />completely funded the reserves cited in #1, it is understood that the<br />funding must first be used to complete the reserves listed in #1 before<br />contributing to the reserve in #2.<br /><br />4) The city will use real estate, personal property and public service<br />corporation assessed values in our formal AV ratio policy, however we will maintain compliance from an internal perspective by applying only real estate assessments to the 4% limit.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2010/11/city-approves-much-needed-updates-to.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-5274390636114190152Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:46:00 +00002010-10-13T10:52:51.950-07:00Police ChiefNew Police Chief ChosenCongratulations to new Chief of Police Chris Perkins, who was introduced this morning in the Police Headquarters Community Room. Over the past two years or so, I've gotten to know Chief Perkins and have been incredibly impressed by his knowledge, creativeness, and involvement in the community. He has proven to be an excellent leader who uses innovative methods of policing to make the community safer and the police force more responsive to the needs of our neighborhoods. Chief Perkins was instrumental in the introduction of community policing to Roanoke, which has reduced crime and caused our police to become more connected with our neighborhoods to prevent crime as opposed to only reacting to it.<br /><br />To me, the selection of Chief Perkins also shows wonderful judgement on behalf of City Manager Chris Morrill. This is the most significant appointment since he began his role, and is a great reflection on him.<br /><br />Congratulations to Chief Perkins.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-police-chief-chosen.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-2869118552587351629Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:22:00 +00002010-09-27T11:36:21.099-07:00BudgetCapital Improvement PlanCity CouncilWork AheadNow that summer is officially over, the pace will pick up on Council. We will begin in earnest, having already had our first budget work session, to put together a budget that is devised in a very different way than has been done before. It's a process known as Budgeting for Outcomes, which essentially requires public leaders to set a price for the city government and to figure out what citizen's most value and how to spend taypayer dollars. I'd encourage you to read about it at http://www.psg.us/resources/osborneletterbfoupdate.html.<br /><br />We will also have to begin to grapple with a Capital Plan in the city that offers little wiggle room in terms of debt capacity and the stability of our bond rating. So it would seem to me that we'll stick again with more infrastructural and existing capital projects in the current five-year plan.<br /><br />We'll also be dealing with putting together a Master Plan for the former Countryside Golf Club property. Any plan should have significant recreational components that include well-designed green spaces. Other ideas that I heard at the multiple public meetings for neighbors of the property and other stakeholders could include some nice and compatible housing, a village center, a conference center, playing fields and other ideas. All stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide more public input beyond the meetings already held, and I hope folks will take advantage of that opportunity.<br /><br />We're already working and have just gone through a third draft of the city's annual legislative plan, and members of Council will likely go to Richmond to lobby the General Assembly on certain requested legislative changes. I'm sure there will also be a lot of talk about our need for the Commonwealth to stop the massive funding cuts to public education. <br /><br />We've got a busy fall ahead and I'm sure more will arise as we head into winter. There's a lot to be done.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2010/09/work-ahead.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-8028233791649120797Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:25:00 +00002010-07-07T10:33:18.390-07:00New CouncilNew Council seatedRoanoke City Council met for the first time yesterday with two new members - Ray Ferris and Bill Bestpitch. I'm looking forward to working with both and am confident we'll have a cordial and collegial Council.<br /><br />It's also important to thank Rupert Cutler and Gwen Mason for their service. They both worked hard to make the best decisions for Roanoke during these very challenging times. Dr. Cutler deserves the opportunity to have more free time and to pursue challenges important to him. And Ms. Mason has a challenging new role with the U.S. Attorney - one I know she'll be excellent filling.<br /><br />As we begin a new fiscal year, we should work hard to find opportunities in this financially troubled time. There are opportunities out there and we need to find them and take advantage of our ability to more efficiently and effectively run city government.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2010/07/new-council-seated.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-5352305221653226568Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:56:00 +00002010-07-01T08:08:45.990-07:00Meals TaxProgressive dinnerFull Council dinner tonight to support meals tax/Roanoke City schoolsTonight City Council will gather to go on a progressive dinner in support of the temporary increase in the city's meals tax for the sole benefit of Roanoke City Public Schools. The schools faced an enormous deficit this year, mainly caused by funding cuts to localities out of Richmond. Council made the tough decision that a lack of responsibility in Richmond didn't merit similar irresponsibility in our own policy making decisions. Given the significant progress made in our schools over the course of the past two years, Council supported the temporary increase in the tax to stave off major programmatic cuts in the schools.<br /><br />The dinner will begin with appetizers at Table 50 downtown, then proceed to Thelma's Chicken & Waffles on Orange Avenue for dinner. To conclude the evening, Council will travel to Pop's in Grandin Village for dessert. This dinner shows a strong commitment on the part of Council to support our local businesses while also supporting necessary funding for our schools.<br /><br />I'm hopeful that the media will cover this positive, community-oriented and important event that shows a united Council working together to better our city. It's an opportunity to highlight an improved working relationship amongst Council Members, and one that is definitely newsworthy.<br /><br />Regardless, it's the right thing for Council to make efforts to support our local restaurants during a time when few options left us with little choice but to increase the tax over the next two years. I'm really looking forward to it.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2010/07/full-council-dinner-tonight-to-support.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-4195076701883011105Tue, 22 Jun 2010 20:14:00 +00002010-06-22T13:16:56.216-07:00Vice Mayor LeaVice Mayor Sherman Lea and today's storyI received a call this morning from Roanoke Vice Mayor Sherman Lea letting me know that news would be appearing sometime today regarding an inquiry his employer, the Department of Corrections, undertook based on a hotline phone call received earlier this year. My understanding is that Vice Mayor Lea and his employer have resolved the issue, and any differences were reconciled. <br /> <br />As someone who also has to balance my professional life with my work on City Council, it seems pretty easy to me that administrative mistakes could occur in recording time and distinguishing between professional work and council work. For instance, I'll be driving back from a meeting in the New River Valley for my own business when I get a call asking me to swing by the City Building, so I've confused the two. Or I'll get a phone call or email that takes up a half hour on an issue relating to the City and that gets thrown into the mix. For someone like the Vice Mayor, who serves in a senior capacity with the DoC, I can imagine that confusion occurs when trying to administratively account for time. <br /> <br />I've known Vice Mayor Lea in a working capacity for 2.5 years, and have worked especially closely with him for the past two years. He is an honest, decent, hardworking and good man. There's no doubt in my mind that any mistakes that were made in accounting for time between his work on City Council and for the Department of Corrections were entirely unintentional. Mr. Lea has provided leadership during times when we desperately need it, and I have immense respect for his genuine love and concern for Roanoke and his willingness to work tirelessly on behalf of its residents.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2010/06/vice-mayor-sherman-lea-and-todays-story.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-4703430712479253723Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:19:00 +00002010-06-02T08:38:42.096-07:00BudgetCommunityA tough year is endingI've not posted in a while on this blog, largely because it's a relatively slow time in terms of city council business. We adopted the FY 2010-2011 budget in May, and after lots and lots of meetings and work leading up to adoption, June is a slower time.<br /><br />It was a difficult year, with major reductions or eliminations of services, reduced school funding and a generally difficult financial period. City staff worked dilligently, with an eye towards efficient delivery of services at reduced funding levels. Staff carried out this task with optimism, seeing opportunities during this time to create a more streamlined government focused on the core services that government should provide residents. There's more work to be done, but difficult times force us to think outside the box.<br /><br />It's also important to recognize that, by and large, taxpayers have recognized that expectations for services and programs like they were only a few years ago is unrealistic. Having the community understand the difficult task of simply balancing the city's budget has made the process immeasurably smoother. Protecting the city's school system from debilitating cuts in funding, and largely supporting the temporary 2% increase in the city's prepared foods tax to help offset these reductions to our schools, was a real testament to the priorities Roanokers have set for our community. <br /><br />The next fiscal year's budget will be as tough, if not tougher, than the one we just adopted. The practical effects of the national recession have caught up to Virginia and caused localities to endure the brunt of the revenue reductions that are passed on by the Commonwealth. We should continue to work as a community to maintain realistic expectations and to make sure that the priorities of residents are also the priorities of the city government. Let's find more opportunities to better serve residents with a disciplined, responsible government.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2010/06/tough-year-is-ending.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-7194132887055139685Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:25:00 +00002010-04-30T07:27:33.064-07:00City Election 2010Exercise your right - voteTHis Tuesday is the Roanoke City Council elections that will determine the make up of Council for at least the next two years. It's an important election and one that will significantly impact the way the city does business and how we'll weather the current financial challenges we face.<br /><br />I won't encourage you to vote for any candidates in particular - though I have my preferences. Instead, I'll simply encourage you to vote. Participation in the electoral process is the most effective way to shape your government and the way it operates.<br /><br />Exercise your right and please vote Tuesday.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2010/04/exercise-your-right-vote.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-2497964006262925332Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:34:00 +00002010-04-06T10:54:18.104-07:00Meals TaxSchoolsEmergency Measure to Aid Schools PassesYesterday, Roanoke City Council passed an emergency measure to help offset the massive funding cuts being leveled by the state to aid the Roanoke City Public Schools for the next two years. This occurred in the form of a temporary 2% increase in the city's prepared food tax, and will raise more than $4 million per year over the next two years to protect such critical urban educational programs as summer school, Spanish for elementary students, and most importantly the maintenance of reasonable class sizes, among others.<br /><br />Nobody likes to raise taxes. And without question reduced spending and targeted cuts should be undertaken. But it's important that we remember that we have made massive cuts, reducing spending last year by nearly $10 million (the schools cut nearly $5 million last year). Additionally, the city will cut another $10 million this year and the schools will cut an additional $5 million. To say that the city has not cut and reduced spending and seeks only to "tax and spend" is simply not true.<br /><br />The future of our city, I'm convinced, is directly linked to the success of our schools. Adding $1 to a $50 meal, with the resulting revenue this will generate, is a small price to pay when looking towards the economic and social prosperity of Roanoke.<br /><br />Council deserves kudos for the courage and foresight to make a very tough decision (the state limits our ability to make these sorts of local decisions) to temporarily raise the meals tax to stave off the devastation of our schools. It's a tough decision in the short-term but I believe, if approached correctly and with our planned marketing campaign, that our restaurants will benefit from increased support from residents who recognize that without a solid school system the future holds less promise. And as a temporary measure, the city and schools will have the opportunity/necessity to restructure how we conduct our affairs and find more efficient ways to deliver better outcomes for cheaper.<br /><br />I know that there are many who hear the word "tax" and automatically oppose it. I understand this philosophy, but I don't believe that it leads to good government. And when it comes to education, sometimes we have to make the tough decisions that make our long-term future that much more promising.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2010/04/emergency-measure-to-aid-schools-passes.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-4883196342285918545Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:12:00 +00002010-03-16T08:31:47.052-07:00Meals TaxSchoolsPublic Hearing Scheduled on Meals Tax ProposalLast evening City Council took the important and urgent step of scheduling a public hearing for April 5 to consider a temporary 2% increase in the prepared foods tax (meals tax) for the benefit of the Roanoke City Public Schools. The unanimous vote to move forward and hold a public hearing enables us to get over the legal hurdle necessary to bring this matter to a final vote, which should be held following the April 5 public hearing.<br /><br />None of us wants to raise taxes; in fact, I'll be the first to say that I wish I paid less taxes than I already do. But the reality is that lawmakers in Richmond are not fulfilling their Constitutional responsibility to adequately and appropriately fund our public schools and to provide a sound, quality education to children across Virginia. They have let us down, and have created massive budget deficits for localities that make the upcoming budget decisions exceptionally difficult.<br /><br />I believe to my core that the long-term future of Roanoke is directly linked to the success of our schools and the quality of the students that benefit from those schools. A temporary, 2% increase in the meals tax would provide more than $4 million to our schools, helping to keep class sizes reasonable with the potential to help save 4 year-old pre-kindergarten and other programs that most benefit urban youth.<br /><br />I'd love to believe that we have no need to raise revenue, or that something less than 2% on the meals tax would suffice. But the whole $4 million+ that a temporary 2% increase would create is needed. This is the reality that City Council faces. And last night was a bold move by each member of Council.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2010/03/public-hearing-scheduled-on-meals-tax.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-3079921208301059781Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:08:00 +00002010-03-15T07:06:17.390-07:00EducatorsMeals TaxSchool BudgetMeeting with EducatorsThe Roanoke Education Association held a membership meeting yesterday to discuss the current state of education funding and to discuss any efforts to try to affect final decisions being made in Richmond.<br /><br />They also invited City Council to attend the meeting and offer a few words. I'm happy to report that the sense I got was that the educators who were able to attend the meeting are fully aware and understand the consequences of the decisions being made in Richmond to cut massive amounts of funding to our public schools. For the last couple of years, and certainly for the next several years, teachers and educational staff have been and will be asked to do more work with less resources, teaching larger classes with less materials offered. We have some of the very best educators in the state, and I think we should all be confident that they will do their very best to help work through the current situation.<br /><br />I also addressed the meals tax proposal that I made several weeks ago. I believe that the matter is urgent and that City Council should deal with the need for more revenue sooner rather than later. All my colleagues on Council are working exceptionally hard to navigate the current financial crunch, and I believe that in the end we'll make the right decisions.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2010/03/meeting-with-educators.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707617275972713968.post-4303448566187998916Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:36:00 +00002010-03-02T09:40:01.849-08:00PrimaryVotingVote todayToday is primary election day in the City of Roanoke. You have three votes and I'd encourage you to cast all three.<br /><br />I certainly have my preferences, but it's up to each person to understand what the candidates stand for and the type of leadership and committment they'll bring to City Council and to make the most informed decision you can.<br /><br />No matter who you support, please vote.http://courtrosen.blogspot.com/2010/03/vote-today.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Court Rosen)0